The Fine Line Between Vintage And Worn

Some people think vintage is a means to reuse old stuff and charge retail prices. In a way, they are right. But, there is a certain feeling that the retro trend has which is impossible to recreate. Something new is great, but we fall in love with items and pieces after they have been worn in, not straight out of the box. The thing is, there is a fine line between killing the vintage style and creating a home that looks tired and worn. And, it’s not easy to tell when you have or are about to cross the imaginary plain. Here’s how to stop it from happening.

Repair And Replenish

Think of features in the home as people. As human beings, they need time to repair and replenish after a hard day at work. In short, they have to get their beauty sleep. But, they’re inanimate objects that can’t drop off, especially in that position. So, you have to take it upon yourself to help. Firstly, repair anything that is broken as nothing says worn out more than a bust grandfather clock. Dutch Time Pieces can help. Next, freshen up proceedings with a light cleaning session. Wipe over the surfaces to make sure they’re not dirty, but don’t perform a deep clean as they’ll lose their appeal.

Pick Carefully

Vintage and retro aren’t synonyms for old. Well, they are, but that doesn’t mean that age is the only criterion. Because it’s an all-encompassing style, pieces need to hit the right targets before they get pride on placement in the living room. For example, antiques can’t be tacky and fake. If they are, the whole house will come across as cheap and nasty, and they aren’t the goals you want to hit. Fresh Home recommends looking at joint strength as well as rust and weight.

Focal It

Every room should have a focal point, a feature that stands out and draws attention. Usually, a sofa or a TV is the main culprit because both are bulky yet sleek. Plus, people can’t help but stare at a screen. Instead of going down the traditional route, replace a classic focal point for something vintage. That way, the room will make you and your guests go “wow!” Only use elements that are of high quality. Otherwise, the gaudy stuff will negate the impact. A piece of wall art can do wonders, as can a shag pile or a handful of mirrors.

Do A Switzerland

In the Second World War, Switzerland was neutral, and you should copy them. Why? It’s because the colours are the last piece of the puzzle. Imagine putting together a home that screams vintage. Now, replace the shades on the walls with bright, vivid hues. The odds are high that this doesn’t work any longer. A retro style needs neutral colours that don’t clash, such as white, cream or eggshell. Another option is to opt for patterns that are synonymous with the time, polka dot for example.